‘Started from the bottom, now we’re here’

‘Started from the bottom, now we’re here’

This year has been all about rap — be it Kendrick Lamar’s epic Pulitzer win or our very own homeboy Divine scaling new heights. Highlighting what’s fresh on the music scene now, Bacardi NH7 Weekender 2018 is all set to bring you some radical rhymes. Alok Babu, aka All Ok, a Kannada rapper-music producer who will be taking the stage at the festival this year, says, “It’s amazing to know a rapper like Kendrick Lamar won such an honour for his work. This is motivation for a lot of artists like me. This clearly shows that when you stick to your art form, dreams come true. Feels great to see rap finally being appreciated in this way.”

As his stage name ‘All Ok’, Alok has an ‘all okay’ attitude towards all genres of music. “I’m a trained classical singer and a self-made rapper, so I like blending both mixtures in my music. It helps me stay with my roots,” he says.

The rapper has been on the scene for over a decade now and has tried so many new things. “I have tried experimenting with many genres including rap and I would say this period of digitisation is a huge plus for all indie artists. Their music can be heard in the most remote places with the help of a click. I think every artist should make good use of it,” says the artist.

MULTI-TALENTED ARTIST
The frontman of the first Kannada hip-hop band Urban Lads, Alok has also acted in Kannada films. He has composed, directed and produced many music videos as well. “My recent single Yaakinge was trending on top of the charts on all digital platforms. I got a very positive response from a lot of top celebrities and indie artists across India,” says the artist who is currently working on an independent album titled KA 02. “The album gives stage to artists who are struggling to put out their music. I am also collaborating with artists who rap in different languages to spread the positive vibes of this art form and represent various cultures including mine in this way. My next single Maramman disco, is a first-of-its-kind track which is simultaneously releasing in five languages. I will also be producing singles for some fresh new talents from various genres of music and collaborating with a couple of international artists,” he shares, adding that his commercial projects involve four Kannada feature films.

Music festivals give artists like these a platform to introduce themselves to a new set of ears. “Started from the bottom, now we’re here. From waiting outside the NH7 arena dead broke to performing this year at the same place, as one of the top artists representing my state of Karnataka, I feel proud. This kind of experience is definitely needed for all artists because it boosts their confidence to the next level as they perform in front of such a large audience. I just want to thank my fans and friends who’ve always supported and have never left my side — they’ve made me who I am,” says Alok, hinting that there is a lot more music in store. 

“It certainly is an exciting time for rap in India too with regional rappers coming up with home-grown and original content. I always believed that music should not have any language barrier or boundaries. We are Indians and we should start exploring and supporting one another. The qualities that all artists should have are simplicity and humility. Never make a diss track or defame someone. Just spread positivity with your music. Fame comes and goes, but how and what you do with it is what matters. Fans are everything, never take them for granted. And to be very honest, India needs more female rappers on the scene. I’m sure there are a lot of super talented artists who are getting ready to take over even as we speak and I look forward to it,” says Alok. 

At the upcoming music festival, Alok will be performing a couple of his hit Kannada tracks. “I will also be featuring two brothers of mine — MC Bijju and SID, who have been a part of the rap scene, with me since day one. My performance will be backed by DJ Lethal A. Trust me when I say that we’ll serve some amazing Karnataka-flavoured new age music,” he says. 

ST READER SERVICE
Alok Babu aka All Ok will be performing at the Bacardi NH7 Weekender in Pune which will be organised at Mahalaxmi Lawns, Kharadi, from December 7-9

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